Oneco boot drive gains momentum

Tuesday

Dec 3, 2013 at 10:46 PMDec 3, 2013 at 10:46 PM

By Leeann Black

The Oneco Fire Department Boot Drive to benefit the Tommy Toy Fund returns for its fourth year Saturday.

The boot drive will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by the Moosup line on Main Street in Oneco. While as many as 25 members from the Oneco Fire Department volunteer their time, they are always looking for more help. As Fire Chief Pete Capobianco said, “Everyone’s out there to get as much as we can.”

“We hope to always beat last year’s money,” he said. “I think last year was our best year; I don’t know if everyone was just generous, but it was up there quite a ways. You see cars from Massachusetts and some people from Moosup; the majority of cars are local people.”

The annual boot drive didn’t get off to a great start, with limited success because of cold weather. However, things improved quickly and it has become one of the big events held by the Oneco Fire Department, which also contributes its own money to the Tommy Toy Fund.

“People thank us for what we do. It’s a small town — you remember the people,” Capobianco said.

The Tommy Toy Fund, which began in 1974, provides toys, books and gloves for underprivileged children in Eastern Connecticut. Those who wish to receive toys can sign up through a registered social services provider until Dec. 13. Toys will be distributed in New London, Norwich and Danielson on Dec. 18-19.